Brayden was right behind me, giving his sister a reassuring tap on the shoulder. “We’ll be quick. You can use the mirror over there to fix your makeup if you want.”
She rolled her eyes. “That means I need to fix my face, doesn’t it?”
I laughed as Brayden ate his words, turning on the water to as hot as it could go. Usually after an intense game, I iced down my sore muscles and then relaxed with a nice hot shower, but I could already feel my aches and bruises attacking my body; I was going to pay for it later for sure.
We all made quick work of getting in and out. We were going to get the third degree at the bar, but I didn’t give a shit.
Walking into the packed joint, everyone started to cheer.
“Finally!” Crosby handed Brayden and me longnecks. “We were starting to think you two ditched us.”
Brayden clinked his bottle with Crosby’s. “Nah man. Just had to take care of something really quick.”
“We’re here now and that’s what matters.” I chugged half the bottle on the spot.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Myla take a seat in a corner booth by herself. Bringing her a water, I took a seat next to her.
“You don’t have to worry about me. Go party with your guys.”
I waved my hand at the rowdy crowd. “They’re all about three sheets to the wind by now. Us just being here is enough. How’re you holding up?”
She started to pull apart a tiny bar napkin. “I think I am in shock. It all feels like a movie I watched, not something I lived.”
The red mark on her cheek was starting to fade a little. “Does it hurt? Should I get you some ice?”
She cocked her head to one side. “Hayes, aren’t you supposed to be some asshat that treats women like pieces of meat?”
I feigned a smile. “Rumors get started with a kernel of truth, I guess.” Taking a sip from my Bud Light to fill a little of the awkward silence, I tried to think of something clever to follow up with. “I mean, I was engaged. It’s not like I am a total dick to all women.”
Myla shrugged. “You seem pretty all right in my book, Hayes.”
“Did you enjoy the gong show at least?”
It was the first time all night she actually smiled. “It was an incredible game. I’m really glad I got to see it.”
“As am I.” I worked my jaw, trying to keep the conversation flowing. “So, where do you live exactly?”
She swallowed the ice cube she had been rolling around in her mouth. “East Flushing, close to Kissena Park.”
“Oh well la di da,” I teased.
“Shut up.” She playfully shoved my arm. “You probably live in some fancy rent-controlled apartment in one of the buildings your family owns.”
“Actually, I am moving into my own place, out from under my dad’s thumb, this weekend. You should come by and check it out.” A few girls walked in through the door, half of whom I had banged at one time or another over the last few years. “Shit,” I muttered as two of them started to waggle their way over to me.
“Hey, Hayes, you were awesome tonight.” Rita was one of the sluttiest puck bunnies I had ever seen; she followed our players around like a junkie in search of her next fix.
I put my arm around Myla’s shoulders. “Please, just go with this,” I whispered to her before diverting my glare to Rita and Jinny. “Thanks. Have you met Myla?” I pulled Myla into my side a little and she followed my lead perfectly.
“Sweetie, who are your friends?” She leaned her elbow on the table, giving them the evil eye.
“Didn’t think you were wifed up, Hayes,” Jinny hissed before sucking on her front teeth. She was fucking gross—I couldn’t believe my dick ever got up for that slut.
I leaned in, grabbing Myla by the back of the head and kissed her hard.That should do the trick.
Myla
Is Gavin Hayes really kissing me right now?
